Just after high school,Mike Coots life changed forever.
Many in his position would have never stepped foot again in the water.
After studying art in college, Coots naturally gravitated toward the ocean as his muse.
I hope the viewer can see a little bit of themselves in the shark art.
I use portraiture photography techniques and imagine I am shooting a person, Coots tells My Modern Met.
I make a run at find a smile, grin or a trait that evokes an emotional response.
Sharks need protection, as the health of our oceans and planet depends on it.
Through his artistic portraits of sharks, Coots focuses on every detail of the apex predator’s anatomy.
And while Coots is enthralled with their beauty, he’s cognizant of the risks.
Coots' powerful shark photography is a reminder that these kings of the sea should be judged beyond stereotypes.
And as a shark attack survivor, advocate, and photographer Coots is leading by example.
Photographer Mike Coots is known for his incredible portraits of sharks.
As a shark attack survivor, Coots felt compelled to advocate for sharks.
Now he takes portraits of them, looking to highlight their personalities.
